There has never been a Dodger season like it. Ever. Win after win, clutch performance after performance, miracle after miracle. Cherish these days folks, they don’t happen too often. Sure, we are only 55% through the season, but a .500 record from here on out is a 97-win season. When is the last time the Dodgers won 97 games? Well that was 40 seasons ago in 1977, a stacked team that was arguably, the best LA Dodger team of all time. This club matches that team by playing “ho-hum’ baseball from here on out.

The 2017 Dodgers are doing things that many longtime Dodger fans have never seen before … not ever.
(Photo credit – Jill Weisleder)

There is a rookie that has set the baseball world on fire with his amazing emergence onto the scene. When was the last time a Los Angeles Dodger led the league in homers at the break? The answer is never, before today, and it’s a 21-year-old rookie doing it after giving the rest of the league a 20-game head start. That’s more of a lead than what “the Freeze” gives to warning track racers in Atlanta. Bellinger is not only a shoe-in for the Rookie of the year, but his defense in the outfield and first base has been gold glove worthy.

There is Alex Wood, who was pretty much considered a rather insignificant piece of the Hector Olivera trade in 2015. He’s on pace to possibly win the ERA title and Cy Young award. A young pitcher with complete confidence and pin-point control combined with a tenacity and toughness on the mound that is reminiscent of Don Drysdale in composure. An amazing transformation.

There is Justin Turner. the unsung team leader and unnamed team captain who not only leads by example but has the uncanny ability to hit in the clutch and loft line drives into holes as well as pick hot grounders at a pace that would make Brooks Robinson proud.

There is Chris Taylor, probably the most surprising player of all. A 2016 mid-season pick-up from Seattle who has reinvented his approach at the plate and turned in to a perennial clutch hitter with grand slams and walk off hits rocketing off his bat. A versatile defender that learned to play the outfield on the fly and leads the team in stolen bags to boot. Initially I thought he was a “one-season” wonder, a la Rick Auerbach or Joe Charbaneau, but he’s the real deal. Possibly the most inspirational player on the squad.

There is Pedro Baez, a setup man that has grown into his role with increased confidence combined with 97 MPH heat. Serving as the bridge between the starter and closer with growing confidence as the season progresses.

There is Kenley the closer, who now mixes in stuttered windups and 3/4 side arm pitches to keep hitters even more off balance. Jansen has shown improvement in the areas of holding on runners and a stamina that can easily pitch more than an inning. His leadership in the pen is evident and he still hasn’t blown a save this year after 21 attempts.

There is the front office that converted Hector Olivera, Zach Lee, Jharel Cotton, Grant Holmes, Frankie Montas, Jose DeLeon and Paco Rodriguez into Alex Wood, Logan Forsythe, Rich Hill and Chris Taylor. A front office that constantly juggles the 40-man roster to keep a 25-man team fresh and in a winning way. That has held on to the valuable pieces, e.g. Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger, Julio Urias, standing pat when it mattered most.

There is Dave Roberts, a manager that leads, exudes confidence and is a true communicator with the team. Is there an available potential manager you could name out there that you would want in his place?

There is so much more to discuss. I haven’t even mentioned Kershaw and his budding 20+ wins, Grandal, Puig’s resurgence, Barnes’ clutchness, Pederson’s comeback – so much more. There has been no other season like it. We may never see another season like 2017 again in our lifetime. This Dodger team could break every record in the book.

There has never been this much fun watching, rooting, cheering and walking in and of Dodger Stadium. There has never been a Dodger season like this. Ever. I know, I said it before, but it is worth repeating.

What a team!